Saturday, February 15

The nation in saluting NHS staff to battling the coronavirus


 

 

Royal children George, Charlotte and Louis joined the nation in saluting NHS workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

In a gesture of thanks to frontline staff, everyone across the UK was asked to join a mass round of applause from their doorsteps, windows and balconies at 8pm.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, posted a video of their three children clapping, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak also joined in from Downing Street.

The organisers of the Clap for Carers campaign, which was started online, say it was staged because “during these unprecedented times, [NHS staff] need to know we are grateful”.

A number of landmarks, including the Wembley Arch, Royal Albert Hall, Lincoln Cathedral and the Principality Stadium, are being lit up in tribute.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said in a video message for LBC: “My colleagues in the NHS do so much to look after us, especially in our hour of need and never more so than during the coronavirus crisis, so let’s join together at 8pm tonight to say thank you to everyone in the NHS.”

The tribute is part of the #lightitblue campaign, which has been organised as a way to say thank you to hardworking healthcare staff.

Stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading – here is what you can and can’t do. If you think you have the virus, don’t go to the GP or hospital, stay indoors and get advice online. Only call NHS 111 if you cannot cope with your symptoms at home; your condition gets worse; or your symptoms do not get better after seven days.

In parts of Wales where 111 isn’t available, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. In Scotland, anyone with symptoms is advised to self-isolate for seven days. In Northern Ireland, call your GP.